Approximately 300 biotechnology, pharmaceutical, equipment, biofuels and medical device companies are based in Virginia, mainly clustered around universities in Blacksburg, Charlottesville, Richmond, Norfolk and Northern Virginia. This blog is an informal diary of what is going on with the industry in Virginia. Opinions here are those of the posters and not necessarily shared by Virginia Bio.

Monday, January 22, 2007

The Virginia Bio/Advanced Manufacturing Skills Initiative, a two-year national demonstration project that is funded jointly by the U.S. Department of Labor and a group of bio/advanced manufacturing companies in Virginia, is seeking a project director to lead and manage this significant economic development and workforce development initiative.

The project will establish certification and assessment standards for advanced manufacturing technicians; develop and operate an outreach, recruitment and pre-screening program; and design, build and operate an innovative training program to qualify advanced manufacturing technicians at an entry threshold of employability. The Project Director’s primary responsibilities will be to work with the project partners to create, develop and execute the project’s ambitious goals and schedule of activities. The Project Director will oversee the management and administration of the project activities and provide timely, accurate and informative reports and other required documentation. Requirements: a bachelors degree in business administration, project management or related field, a minimum of two to five years of previous work experience in advanced manufacturing, experience in private-sector supervision and project fiscal and performance management, and excellent interpersonal, speaking, presenting and writing skills. Preferred skills/experience: training and certification in Lean Six-Sigma, and experience in grants management and fund-raising. Competitive salary and benefits.

The project is being jointly led by the Virginia Biotechnology Association, the Virginia Manufacturers Association, and Training & Development Corporation, and will be managed out of offices in Richmond. Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter with resume and references to ATTN: Search Committee/Project Director, Virginia Biotechnology Association, at hr@vabio.org. For additional information about the project and the position please visit click here.